For millions, the annual Girl Scout cookie sale is a beloved tradition, but for those mindful of their health, a question often arises: what is the least healthy Girl Scout Cookie? The answer is not always straightforward, mainly because the cookies are produced by two distinct bakeries, Little Brownie Bakers and ABC Bakers, which can lead to different recipes, names, and nutritional values. By closely examining the ingredients, serving sizes, and key nutritional data like calories, fat, and sugar, we can pinpoint the unhealthiest contenders and understand why they rank so high.
The Top Contenders for Unhealthiest Cookie
When comparing the nutritional information, several classic Girl Scout cookies stand out due to their rich ingredients and dense compositions. Cookies with multiple layers of chocolate, caramel, and other toppings tend to have higher concentrations of sugar and fat, propelling them to the top of the unhealthiest list.
Girl Scout S'mores
One of the most frequently cited cookies for its high sugar, fat, and calorie content is the Girl Scout S'mores. There are two different versions of this cookie, a graham sandwich and a graham cookie dipped in chocolate and icing, with both historically ranking poorly for nutritional value. Some reports from previous years indicate high saturated fat and sugar, partly due to ingredients like vegetable shortening. For example, a version from ABC Bakers was noted to have a significant 180 calories, 9 grams of total fat, and 16 grams of sugar per a smaller 2-cookie serving. As of early 2025, one version of the S'mores was also scheduled for discontinuation, which adds a layer of complexity to current availability.
Samoas / Caramel deLites
Another perennial contender for the unhealthiest spot is the caramel and coconut delight known as Samoas (Little Brownie Bakers) or Caramel deLites (ABC Bakers). These cookies are layered with caramel, coconut, and chocolate, which contributes to their high-calorie density. Because of these multiple components, they contain more fat, sugar, and calories per serving compared to simpler cookies. A key factor is their smaller serving size—often just two cookies—which makes the high calorie and sugar count even more impactful. Some versions produced by Little Brownie Bakers have had particularly high-fat content.
Tagalongs / Peanut Butter Patties
Tagalongs (Little Brownie Bakers) and Peanut Butter Patties (ABC Bakers) are a similar cookie but with slight nutritional differences due to their respective bakeries. The peanut butter layer combined with the chocolate coating gives these cookies a high caloric density. While some versions have slightly less sugar than Samoas, their fat and calorie counts remain elevated. The vegan version from ABC Bakers (Peanut Butter Patties) has its own specific nutritional details, with 130 calories and 9 grams of sugar per 2-cookie serving.
Nutritional Comparison: A Closer Look
To get a clearer picture, let's compare the nutritional data of the top contenders. It's important to note that specific values can fluctuate based on the bakery and year, so these are representative averages based on various reported data.
| Cookie (Bakery) | Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Total Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S'mores (ABC)* | 2 cookies | 180 | 9 | 7 | 16 |
| S'mores (Little Brownie) | 2 cookies | 150 | 7 | 3.5 | 10 |
| Samoas (Little Brownie) | 2 cookies | 150 | 8 | 4 | 11 |
| Caramel deLites (ABC) | 2 cookies | 140 | 7 | 4 | 11 |
| Tagalongs (Little Brownie) | 2 cookies | 140 | 8 | 4 | 8 |
| Peanut Butter Patties (ABC) | 2 cookies | 130 | 7 | 4 | 9 |
*Values based on older nutritional information. Note that ABC S'mores were discontinued in early 2025.
How to Interpret the Data
From the comparison table, it is clear that several factors must be considered beyond a single metric. While one version of S'mores had the highest calorie and fat count per serving, the Samoas/Caramel deLites also consistently feature a high number of calories for a small serving size due to their multiple layers of dense, sugary toppings. When comparing specific values, pay attention to the saturated fat and total sugar, as these are significant indicators of a cookie's nutritional profile. For instance, the ABC S'mores version had a notably high saturated fat content, likely from the vegetable shortening.
For those seeking a less indulgent option, cookies like Trefoils (Shortbread) and even Thin Mints generally contain fewer calories, fat, and sugar per serving, making them more moderate choices. Ultimately, the least healthy cookie comes down to the individual's dietary priorities, whether that's minimizing fat, sugar, or total calories. Since recipes and offerings can change, consulting the most recent nutritional information available is always recommended.
Conclusion
While many Girl Scout cookies are delicious and beloved, some are more indulgent than others from a nutritional standpoint. Historically, the S'mores and Samoas/Caramel deLites have often vied for the title of the least healthy due to their dense layers of chocolate, caramel, and coconut, leading to higher calorie, fat, and sugar counts per serving. However, the exact 'winner' depends on which version you are comparing and what nutritional metric you prioritize. Always remember to check the specific nutritional information provided for the cookies in your area, keeping in mind the differences between the two bakeries. Ultimately, no matter which cookie is technically 'unhealthiest,' they are all treats best enjoyed in moderation.
